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Author Topic: What's the towing capacity of my '03 FWD?  (Read 329 times)
Dave
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2003 'Tek in Electric Blue
« on: March 08, 2010, 09:55:56 am »
Hoping I can get some help confirming the towing capacity of my '03 FWD. The site below states that Teks have a capacity of 3500 lbs with the towing package, but I don't think i have that. I do know there was a trailer hitch on it at some point before I bought it last Oct, as my mechanic noticed the marks where it was mounted. I also have the trailer wiring harness, but I don't think I have the load-leveling compressor.

http://www.new-cars.com/2003/pontiac/pontiac-aztek-specs.html

So....can anyone confirm how much I can tow behind my Tek? Starting to look at camping trailers and really want to know what I can do.

Thanks!
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97drexelgrad
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« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2010, 01:13:36 pm »
The engine, and frame is capable of towing 3500 pounds with or without the tow package.
The tow package. RPO 92 adds a higher output alternator, rear air levelling suspension and a trans cooler.
My old Tek didn't have the tow package so I added rear air shocks and a HD transmission cooler
I pulled a camper with a dry weight of 2900 and when loaded it was probably at that 3500 max
I travelled many a mile without any overheating but at times got pretty close
most people recommend staying 10% less than your tow capacity
I towed this camper for 3 years then decided to step up to a truck, then traded in the pop up for a larger camper (6900#) dryweight
make sure that the camper has brakes too. Even with my pop up having brakes, I often warped the 4 brakes on the Tek on long runs
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Brian, NJ
Current owner of 2008 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab 4x4 with 6000K HID low beam Conversion, 6000K HID high beam conversion, 6000K HID Fog Light Conversion ,PIAA 520 SMR Chrome driving lights with a 55 watt 6000K HID kit installed,
Chrome Bull Bar, Chrome Side Steps, Extang Full Tilt Tonneau Cover, Recon Line of Fire, , Garmin NUVI 350 GPS with ProClip mount, GM Performance Touring Exhaust System. Infinity Kappa Separates front, Infinity Kappa 3 Ways rear, Kicker Comp CVT Sub, Soundstream Amp, Chrome Hood Deflector, Smoked Ventvisors.  CabCam rear camera system with Nightvision. Rear AirLift air bags with wireless controlled air compressor, Tows a Palomino Puma TT. Chrome Denali GMC 22's with 285/45/22 Bridgestone Dueler tires and TPMS.

Former owner of a 2003 Aztek Yellow, McCullough HID 6000k Headlights, Xentec HID 3000K Yellow Fog Lights, LEDS on all 4 Markers and Reverse Lights, Recon Strobe Lighting, Pioneer 10 speaker stereo, Infinity BassLink2 Sub, Precision Interface Electronics GM12-AUX, XM Roady XT, Helo Tease Rims with General Exclaim 245/40ZR20 tires, EBC Dimpled & Slotted Front Rotors, EBC Yellowstuff Pads, K&N Air Filter, Remote Start, kids car seat, Custom Dual Exhaust , Recon Big Rig Amber Running / Signal LED Lights, Side mirror LED Signal Lights, Line of Fire and Ice Brake Light, Monro Air Shocks in Rear, B&M Transmission Cooler, Garmin NUVI 350 GPS,  LEDs everywhere, Rear camera with night vision and 7 inch color monitor, GM Hood Deflector, Diehard Platinum Battery, American Flag / Bald Eagle on Rear Window, Fleetwood Camper,with LEDs and camera also, towed behind Tek ,
 2006, 2007, 2008 International Aztek Rally Organizer.  Email me @ 97drexelgrad@aztekfanclub.com
Dave
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2003 'Tek in Electric Blue
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2010, 01:46:52 pm »
As always Brian, you rock - thanks for the info. I figured the 3500 was correct, but wanted to be sure and I would definitely put a cooler on the tranny if I was going to start towing. Don't actually have much experience with trailers, always been a tent camping guy but have pulled a couple over the years and am really starting tho think that's the way we want to go.

Just bought the Tek and love it, so ideally want to find something I can tow with it, as I wanna keep her around for a good few years!
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97drexelgrad
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« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2010, 10:15:31 pm »
No problem and thanks!
I never did any camping even tent camping until I attended the 2005 Aztek Rally
yes even though I stayed in a cabin at that KOA in Butler,Ohio.
There at the rally, I met some great people and several of those members had pop up campers
then we ended up buying that Fleetwood camper
we will be picking up the new Palomino TT next tuesday.  I'm a bit nervous since  I have never driven/towed anything that big before
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Brian, NJ
Current owner of 2008 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab 4x4 with 6000K HID low beam Conversion, 6000K HID high beam conversion, 6000K HID Fog Light Conversion ,PIAA 520 SMR Chrome driving lights with a 55 watt 6000K HID kit installed,
Chrome Bull Bar, Chrome Side Steps, Extang Full Tilt Tonneau Cover, Recon Line of Fire, , Garmin NUVI 350 GPS with ProClip mount, GM Performance Touring Exhaust System. Infinity Kappa Separates front, Infinity Kappa 3 Ways rear, Kicker Comp CVT Sub, Soundstream Amp, Chrome Hood Deflector, Smoked Ventvisors.  CabCam rear camera system with Nightvision. Rear AirLift air bags with wireless controlled air compressor, Tows a Palomino Puma TT. Chrome Denali GMC 22's with 285/45/22 Bridgestone Dueler tires and TPMS.

Former owner of a 2003 Aztek Yellow, McCullough HID 6000k Headlights, Xentec HID 3000K Yellow Fog Lights, LEDS on all 4 Markers and Reverse Lights, Recon Strobe Lighting, Pioneer 10 speaker stereo, Infinity BassLink2 Sub, Precision Interface Electronics GM12-AUX, XM Roady XT, Helo Tease Rims with General Exclaim 245/40ZR20 tires, EBC Dimpled & Slotted Front Rotors, EBC Yellowstuff Pads, K&N Air Filter, Remote Start, kids car seat, Custom Dual Exhaust , Recon Big Rig Amber Running / Signal LED Lights, Side mirror LED Signal Lights, Line of Fire and Ice Brake Light, Monro Air Shocks in Rear, B&M Transmission Cooler, Garmin NUVI 350 GPS,  LEDs everywhere, Rear camera with night vision and 7 inch color monitor, GM Hood Deflector, Diehard Platinum Battery, American Flag / Bald Eagle on Rear Window, Fleetwood Camper,with LEDs and camera also, towed behind Tek ,
 2006, 2007, 2008 International Aztek Rally Organizer.  Email me @ 97drexelgrad@aztekfanclub.com
Dave
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2003 'Tek in Electric Blue
« Reply #4 on: March 09, 2010, 09:52:28 am »
Once the camping bug bites Brian, you're hooked for life! I looked up the Palomino - very nice trailer! But you're right, definitely a load to pull - should be fun getting acquainted, good luck with it!
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Beauty walks a razor's edge - someday I'll make it mine.
97drexelgrad
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« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2010, 06:29:24 pm »
Thanks
I just spent the day installing the rear air helper springs and air compressor
and I changed out the mirrors last week.  Now I just have to stock up on some courage to drive the monster home.  lol

first trip out in a couple of weeks. Were heading down to Washington DC for a week.
« Last Edit: March 10, 2010, 10:28:43 am by 97drexelgrad » Logged
Brian, NJ
Current owner of 2008 GMC Sierra SLE extended cab 4x4 with 6000K HID low beam Conversion, 6000K HID high beam conversion, 6000K HID Fog Light Conversion ,PIAA 520 SMR Chrome driving lights with a 55 watt 6000K HID kit installed,
Chrome Bull Bar, Chrome Side Steps, Extang Full Tilt Tonneau Cover, Recon Line of Fire, , Garmin NUVI 350 GPS with ProClip mount, GM Performance Touring Exhaust System. Infinity Kappa Separates front, Infinity Kappa 3 Ways rear, Kicker Comp CVT Sub, Soundstream Amp, Chrome Hood Deflector, Smoked Ventvisors.  CabCam rear camera system with Nightvision. Rear AirLift air bags with wireless controlled air compressor, Tows a Palomino Puma TT. Chrome Denali GMC 22's with 285/45/22 Bridgestone Dueler tires and TPMS.

Former owner of a 2003 Aztek Yellow, McCullough HID 6000k Headlights, Xentec HID 3000K Yellow Fog Lights, LEDS on all 4 Markers and Reverse Lights, Recon Strobe Lighting, Pioneer 10 speaker stereo, Infinity BassLink2 Sub, Precision Interface Electronics GM12-AUX, XM Roady XT, Helo Tease Rims with General Exclaim 245/40ZR20 tires, EBC Dimpled & Slotted Front Rotors, EBC Yellowstuff Pads, K&N Air Filter, Remote Start, kids car seat, Custom Dual Exhaust , Recon Big Rig Amber Running / Signal LED Lights, Side mirror LED Signal Lights, Line of Fire and Ice Brake Light, Monro Air Shocks in Rear, B&M Transmission Cooler, Garmin NUVI 350 GPS,  LEDs everywhere, Rear camera with night vision and 7 inch color monitor, GM Hood Deflector, Diehard Platinum Battery, American Flag / Bald Eagle on Rear Window, Fleetwood Camper,with LEDs and camera also, towed behind Tek ,
 2006, 2007, 2008 International Aztek Rally Organizer.  Email me @ 97drexelgrad@aztekfanclub.com
jaskispyder
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« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2010, 09:49:10 am »
I put a tranny cooler on my FWD '01 and the tranny still had to be rebuilt.  You may want to have the fluid in the tranny replaced before your trip. 

J.
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